Albuquerque, NM, March XX, 2012 — Ares Wargames, the organizer of the Rio Grande Wars ’12 Gaming Convention, announced today that the world renowned actor and director Edward James Olmos will deliver the keynote speech at this year’s event which will be held at the Barcelona Suites in Albuquerque, October 19-21, 2012.

Olmos, known best for his role as Admiral Adama on Battlestar Galactica, will give the convention participants a rare insight into the leadership traits that brought notoriety to his character. Olmos is also famous for his Oscar nominated role in the feature film Stand and Deliver as well as his performances in Blade Runner, Miami Vice, and many others.

“We are excited to offer our fellow gamers and the Albuquerque public the opportunity to meet with Mr. Olmos and to learn about the traits that made his Battlestar Galactica character such an outstanding leader,” said Sean Scott, the founder of Ares Wargames. “We are also proud to support the Albuquerque community by drawing on Mr. Olmos’ experience as a prolific activist who will address the topic of economic development and social opportunity in Albuquerque’s Latino community.”

In addition to Olmos, Rio Grande Wars will feature distinguished expert speakers such as combat veterans, military historians, and game designers, in a “War College” set of seminars with focus on game design, military history, and combat leadership. With a star-studded speaker lineup and premier strategy gaming that will include historical, science fiction, and fantasy scenarios, the Rio Grande Wars ’12 is shaping up to be the best event yet.

Gamers of all ages will have the opportunity to test and improve their strategic thinking skills in all formats of gaming, from board games, collectible card games, tabletop miniatures, role-playing games, to LAN parties for PC/PS3/Xbox/iPad gaming. For those interested in painting/modeling, the convention will provide classes and competitions for beginner through master level.

In the effort to foster creativity, the convention will offer youth and adult writers the opportunity to compete for original fiction awards within the historical, science fiction, and fantasy genres. Local and out of state games, gaming accessories, and related product line vendors will participate.

Rio Grande Wars ’12 is sponsored by Ares Wargames, a service-connected, disabled veteran owned small business committed to supporting the community. As such, 5% of all proceeds from ticket sales and vendor space will benefit the Special Operations Warrior Fund.

To register for the event and to explore sponsorship and partnership opportunities, please visit: http://riograndewarsnm.com/

About Rio Grande Wars:
Rio Grande Wars is New Mexico’s premier gaming convention taking place from Friday, October 19th to Sunday, October 21st. It features strategy games covering the historical, science fiction, and fantasy genres. Rio Grande Wars also features guest speakers to include entertainment celebrities, combat veterans, military historians, game designers, and other panelists. Rio Grande Wars will take place at the Barcelona Suites in Albuquerque. For more information visit: http://www.riograndewarsnm.com

About Ares Wargames:
Ares Wargames is a service-connected, disabled veteran owned business founded by Sean Scott, a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point with a B.S. in Military
History. Ares Wargames offers customers family-friendly, strategy gaming in a variety of genres including historical, science fiction, and fantasy. The store presents all gaming formats: network computer/console games, board games, tabletop miniatures, collectible card games, and role playing games. Weekly leagues, tournaments, and special events
are hosted at the Ares Wargames retail center, 3301 Menaul Boulevard NE, Suite 18, Albuquerque, NM 87107. For more information visit: http://www.areswargames.com.